Community clean-up of Wellingborough brook used as dumping ground

Stephanie Weaver

A community group is preparing to wade in and clean up a brook which has become a dumping ground for rubbish.

Members of the Castle Field Community Group (CFCG) are so appalled at the amount of rubbish ending up in the brook at the Wellingborough park that they are organising a clean-up later this month.

Rubbish left in the brook

Items turning the brook into an eyesore include an old boiler, an ironing board, a child’s shopping trolley, sections of fencing, bin lids, traffic cones and even a dog mess bin.

Project co-ordinator Dave Smith said: “People are fed up seeing this lovely brook in such a poor state.

“The brook attracts lots of wildlife and even has a pair of Kingfishers nesting in the area, one of only a handful in the whole county.”

Building materials, railings and items which have been vandalised around the park are also finding their way into the brook.

People are fed up seeing this lovely brook in such a poor state

Dave Smith

Mr Smith added: “We plan to clear as much as we can and work with local residents and the housing developer, the council and Wellingborough Norse to keep the brook in good order.

“The brook is a great feature in the park and we are hoping there can be much more work done to keep it clean, make it safe and help improve the bio-diversity of the area.

“We are seeking help from any interested party either to provide funds to help us buy equipment to clear the brook, or to lends items like waders, very thick rubber gloves and even a bit of muscle to remove and take away some large items.

“It would be great to get the community out to help with this, all support is welcome.”

The Castle Field Community Group held a band concert in Castle Fields Park in Wellingborough on September 6

Anyone who would like to help out with the project, has items to share or wishes to make a donation can contact Marion Turner-Hawes on 01933 381467 or email marioturner@hotmail.co.uk.

It is hoped the clean-up will take place before the end of September, although the date is yet to be confirmed.

Although this is just one of various events the group has been working on recently.

As part of their efforts to improve the amenities and facilities in the park and increase its use, the group held a concert in the bandstand featuring members of Rushden Mission Band and Kettering Town Silver Band on September 6.

More than 150 people enjoyed the concert, including the mayor of Wellingborough Barry Graves.

The group also organised a grand second-hand sale on Saturday, with proceeds being split between CFCG and the Community Housing and Support Network, a not-for-profit organisation based in the town.